Page 39 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“You too. Love you, Mom.” She looked more tired than usual. He was worried about her. She worked too much.

“Love you too, son.” She stepped back, her gaze sweeping over him. “I like your Becky.”

“She’s not my Becky.”

“That’s not what Lori said.”

“We’re friends, Mom. It was Cindy’s idea for Becky to join us for lunch.”

“I love my niece.” Mom grinned. “You’re finally bringing a girl home. I can already tell I’ll like Becky a lot more than I liked Miley.”

“I like Becky a lot more than I like Miley. Most people would.” Miley had a polarizing personality. He’d lost his rose-tinted glasses regarding Miley early last year.

“I hope to see more of Becky. Her accent is lovely.”

“Don’t get attached, Mom. She’s going home in June.”

“I don’t think I’ll be the one with an attachment problem. If you have feelings for her, you should consider exploring the possibility of a future together.”

“Sorry, Mom. Not going to happen.” He thought about kissing Becky too often. He blamed the fake relationship idea, and the whole town expecting him to be kissing her. Kissing Becky was a bad idea. Period.

“How’s Dad doing?”

Mom frowned. “He’s having a rough day.”

“How rough?” He held back a sigh. Lately it seemed like Dad had more hard days than good days.

“He’s not up to facing lunch. Since we have company, I’m not going to push him.”

“Okay.” Mom had more patience with Dad than he did. He prayed daily for Dad’s health. There were supposed to be meds that could help. Sam didn’t know if they made a difference, or if the side effects were worse than the benefits.

He moved his toolboxes to a corner of the deck, out of the way. He wouldn’t be working on the Chevy this afternoon. Mom needed a nap, and he’d talk to the girls about what they wanted to do after lunch. They could detour into Wichita on the way home. In his limited experience, girls never said no to visiting a mall.

His parents’ situation concerned him. Mom was under a lot of pressure. He understood Dad’s health challenges weren’t his fault. Dad didn’t intend to make Mom’s life difficult.

What could he do to make Mom’s life easier? He’d had more time to visit during the week when they lived in Gilead. Until Easter, he’d be foot to the floor with work and the performance schedule. Dad refused to travel to Colorado more than once a year. It was hard for Mom. She missed her brother and family. The only thing Sam could do for his parents was to pray.

CHAPTER 9

Becky woke early on Monday morning and prepared for her daily walk into town and around campus. Her walk would include a clandestine meeting with Logan Miles. He’d sent her a text on Saturday, wanting to meet in person.

She’d slept well after enjoying a day out with Sam and Cindy. Sam’s mom was lovely, and she’d made Becky feel welcome. They’d visited a mall in Wichita on the way home, a handy stop and an opportunity for Becky to buy neutral-toned sweats and hoodies. Logan’s suggestion — wear clothes that were ordinary and wouldn’t draw attention.

Becky missed the convenience of city living, and even the Wichita mall was tiny when compared to home. Last night, after Sam had dropped them back at the dorm, Cindy had shared her thoughts on her uncle and his long-term health issues. It was a hard situation. Becky had added Sam’s parents to her prayer list.

Logan had planned to walk with her after she stopped by Heavenly Brew to collect her morning coffee. She’d let him know when she arrived at Heavenly Brew.

She pulled on her warm black hoodie and new black scarf. Her pale pink beanie would warm her head. She’d hide her hair and beanie in the hoodie when she left Heavenly Brew. The paparazzi hadn’t tracked Logan to Gilead, but it was only a matter of time until his cover was blown.

Becky headed outdoors into the bitter February weather. She found the cold invigorating, and it reminded her of walking along the beach on a windy winter day. Back home, she’d walk by the ocean in all weather, including rain. Sometimes Dad would tag along. His hospital schedule made it hard to plan regular early morning walks. She valued that time with Dad where they could talk without interruption.

Since arriving in Gilead, she’d video call with Mum a few times a week, and Dad at least once a week. On Saturdays, Australian time, the whole family chatted on a video call. She missed seeing her family in person.

The aroma of coffee called her inside Heavenly Brew. The cowbell over the door clanged, and she shot a message to Logan. He’d told her to not look around and try to find him. Easier said than done.

Mrs. Alleghany stood at the bakery case, chatting with Letty. Letty noticed Becky and called her over. There was no line, and Mrs. Alleghany had Letty cornered behind the counter.

Letty smiled. “Morning, Becky. Your usual?”

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